The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Betty Jane Koziel, 85, of Skamokawa died January 12, 2019 in Vancouver. She was born in Pompeys Pillar, Montana on May 19, 1933 to Henry and Elizabeth (Klundt) Almer.

She was raised in Vancouver, later moving to Ridgefield where she raised her children and in 1979 she moved to Skamokawa and married Jim Koziel. He preceded her in August 2018.

She owned and operated the Oasis Tavern in Skamokaws for many years and was well loved by her patrons.

She loved their home in Skamokawa where she was an avid gardener and was known for her begonias and dahlias.

Survivors include son Rick Benfit and daughters Lori Jantzen and Brenda Anderson, and step-daughter Kari Delaney; three brothers Allen and Roger Almer and Stan Hartung; sister Sylvia; five grandsons, many great grandchildren and one great grandson; numerous nieces and nephews including her favorite niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, several brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 1 p.m., at Skamokawa United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Fernhill Cemetery in Skamokawa. Memorial donations are suggested to Skamokawa Fire and Ambulance. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.